Death is a Dark Man — Dora Highland

Suddenly she was engulfed in terror.

Neither beauty nor wealth could console Fran Fairfax after the death of her beloved father. Desperately she sought comfort from those who loved her--aristocratic, handsome Leslie Travers; cynical but equally striking, artist Paul Regan and Tessie Conlin, her personal maid and bosom friend.

Then, in the midst of her bereavement--mysterious, terrifying phone calls. Laughter--mocking, venomous, laughter filled her ears and chilled her heart. She could no longer think--only listen and tremble with each new threat--"die, die, die..."

SHE HAD EVERYTHING…INCLUDING A WAITING GRAVE

To meet Fran Fairfax was to be confronted by a miracle of birth, breeding and beauty. Fran was loved by everyone who met her including Mr. Leslie Travers of the railroad millions and Mr. Paul Regan, the erratic and talented young artist who summered in Chichester County.

But suddenly Fran's elegant lifestyle was transformed into a nightmare by the crystal jingle of an innocent cream-white Princess telephone. The first call was innocuous enough -- silence -- a wrong number, perhaps. Then the silence became a mocking accusation, an animated entity -- and the lavish French restoration bedchamber became a setting of unutterable horror.